Methodological design and comparative evaluation of a MAS providing AmI

Researches on Ambient Intelligent and Ubiquitous Computing using wireless technologies have increased in the last years. In this work, we review several scenarios to define a multi-agent architecture that support the information needs of these new technologies, for heterogeneous domain. Our contribution consists of designing in a methodological way a Context Aware System (involving location services) using agents that can be used in very different domains. We describe all the steps followed in the design of the agent system. We apply a hybridizing methodology between GAIA and AUML. Additionally we propose a way to compare different agent architectures for Context Aware System using agent interactions. So, in this paper, we describe the assignment of weight values to agents interaction in two different MAS architectures for Context Aware problems solving different scenarios inspired in FIPA standard negotiation protocols.Publicad

Implementation of context-aware workflows with Multi-agent Systems

Systems in Ambient Intelligence (AmI) need to manage workflows that represent users’ activities. These workflows can be quite complex, as they may involve multiple participants, both physical and computational, playing different roles. Their execution implies monitoring the development of the activities in the environment, and taking the necessary actions for them and the workflow to reach a certain end. The context-aware approach supports the development of these applications to cope with event processing and regarding information issues. Modeling the actors in these context-aware workflows, where complex decisions and interactions must be considered, can be achieved with multi-agent systems. Agents are autonomous entities with sophisticated and flexible behaviors, which are able to adapt to complex and evolving environments, and to collaborate to reach common goals. This work presents architectural patterns to integrate agents on top of an existing context-aware architecture. This allows an additional abstraction layer on top of context-aware systems, where knowledge management is performed by agents.This approach improves the flexibility of AmI systems and facilitates their design. A case study on guiding users in buildings to their meetings illustrates this approach

Aukštojo mokslo institucijų ekonominio poveikio ir efektyvumo vertinimas

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have the potential to make a substantial impact on a country’s economy. However, at the scientific level, there are lack of tools to assess the internal efficiency of HEIs and their economic impacts on the local economy in a systematic way. This research assumes that the economic activity of HEIs is integral to local economies, and thus, deserves serious study. The research proposes that it is necessary to assess HEIs’ measurable impact on the economy, as well as their efficiency, in order to offer an analysis of which HEIs are performing as optimally as possible. The object of this dissertation is to develop a model that allows evaluating economic impact and efficiency of HEIs within the same system. The dissertation consists of an introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, and seven appendices. Chapter 1 analyses pertinent research on the economic impact of HEIs by considering the most relevant theoretical models. This chapter outlines approaches for evaluating efficiency as they pertain to HEIs’ activity. The chapter concludes with a critical synopsis of the current methods of assessing impact and efficiency in HEI research. Chapter 2 details the proposed models for evaluating both the economic impact and the efficiency of HEIs. Input-Output modelling (I-O) will be for its viability as a reliable approach to analysing economic impact. Next, a thorough account of Data Envelope Analysis (DEA) will be performed to justify its theoretical value in assessing HEIs’ efficiency. The other part of the chapter brings economic impact and efficiency together by proposing an integrated model. In chapter 3 the study looks at the Lithuanian public universities specifically as an empirical case study. Then the chapter offers an in-depth account of the application of the model to Lithuanian context. Based on this study’s empirical research, the findings outlined in Chapter 3 indicate that HEIs have one of the highest type II output multipliers in Lithuania, compared to other educational sectors. Meanwhile, larger universities have higher type II output multipliers than smaller universities. Furthermore, apart from one outlying institution, the largest HEIs were also the most efficient, debunking the common belief that smaller, more specialized universities are more efficient. Finally, a set of general conclusions and recommendations for further research and application complete the present study. 4 publications focusing on the discussed dissertation are published: 3 in internationally recognized data basis, 1 – in conference material.Dissertatio

The potential interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors: a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recently, several publications have investigated a possible drug interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and regulatory agencies have issued warnings despite discordant study results. In an attempt to clarify the situation, we performed a systematic review with a critical analysis of study methodologies to determine whether varying study quality (that is, bias) could explain the discordant results.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A systematic review of all studies reporting clinical outcomes was performed using an electronic literature search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, abstracts from the major cardiology conferences and a hand-search of bibliographies from identified articles. Each study was evaluated for its risk of bias according to a prespecified quality measure scale.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 18 studies were identified. Ten of 13 studies judged to be of low scientific quality reported a statistically positive interaction between clopidogrel and the general class of PPIs, and each concluded this was likely a clinically meaningful effect. None of the five studies judged to be of moderate or high quality reported a statistically significant association. Multiple sources of heterogeneity (that is, different populations, outcomes assessed, drug exposure methods and study quality) prevented a formal quantitative analysis of all studies. An increased risk of bias was observed in the positive studies, resulting in an inverse correlation between study quality and a reported statistically positive interaction (10/13 versus 0/5; <it>P </it>= p = 0.007). There was also no clinical evidence for a positive interaction according to specific PPIs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The observed association between clopidogrel and PPIs is found uniquely in studies judged to be of low quality and with an increased risk of bias. High-quality evidence supporting a clinically significant clopidogrel/PPI interaction is presently lacking.</p

Lipid-lowering for lower limb atherosclerosis

Background: Lipid-lowering therapy is recommended for secondary prevention in people with coronary artery disease. It may also reduce cardiovascular events and/or local disease progression in people with lower limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Objectives: To assess the effects of lipid-lowering therapy on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events and local disease progression in patients with PAD of the lower limb. Search methods: The authors searched The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group's Specialised Register (last searched February 2007) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (last searched Issue 2, 2007) for publications describing randomised controlled trials of lipid-lowering therapy in peripheral arterial disease of the lower limb. Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with PAD of the lower limb. Data collection and analysis: Three authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Main results: Eighteen trials were included, involving a total of 10,049 participants. Trials differed considerably in their inclusion criteria, outcomes measured, and type of lipid-lowering therapy used. Only one trial (PQRST) reported a detrimental effect of active treatment on blood lipid/lipoprotein levels. The pooled results from all eligible trials indicated that lipid-lowering therapy had no statistically significant effect on overall mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.86; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.49 to 1.50) or on total cardiovascular events (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.59 to 1.09). However, subgroup analysis which excluded PQRST showed that lipid-lowering therapy significantly reduced the risk of total cardiovascular events (OR 0.74; CI 0.55 to 0.98). This was primarily due to a positive effect on total coronary events (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.87). Greatest evidence of effectiveness came from the use of simvastatin in people with a blood cholesterol &ge; 3.5 mmol/litre (HPS). Pooling of the results from several small trials on a range of different lipid-lowering agents indicated an improvement in total walking distance (Mean Difference (MD) 152 m; 95% CI 32.11 to 271.88) and pain-free walking distance (WMD 89.76 m; 95% CI 30.05 to 149.47) but no significant impact on ankle brachial index (WMD 0.04; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.09). Authors' conclusions: Lipid-lowering therapy is effective in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in people with PAD. It may also improve local symptoms. Until further evidence on the relative effectiveness of different lipid-lowering agents is available, use of a statin in people with PAD and a blood cholesterol level &ge; 3.5 mmol/litre is most indicated.Output Type: Revie

Health + Equality + School Engagement: Scenarios USA Reinvents Sex Education

This issue of Quality/Calidad/Qualité highlights the experience of Scenarios USA,3 an innovative nonprofit program that has integrated a gender and rights perspective -- and a critical thinking approach -- into curricula, while fostering new pedagogies and greater awareness among teachers. Scenarios USA approaches sexual health not as a stand-alone issue but as intertwined with young people's overall lives and agency. As such, the organization's "sex ed" work is part of a broader strategy of fostering self-expression, leadership, and advocacy among youth, especially among those living in marginalized communities.Instead of teaching adolescents about contraceptive methods, Scenarios has them thinking and writing about gender norms, power dynamics, and intimate relationships in their own lives

A review of the effectiveness of lower limb orthoses used in cerebral palsy

To produce this review, a systematic literature search was conducted for relevant articles published in the period between the date of the previous ISPO consensus conference report on cerebral palsy (1994) and April 2008. The search terms were 'cerebral and pals* (palsy, palsies), 'hemiplegia', 'diplegia', 'orthos*' (orthoses, orthosis) orthot* (orthotic, orthotics), brace or AFO

Health care of people in homelessness: a comparative study of mobile units in Portugal, United States and Brazil

This paper describes and analyzes the legal and normative framework guiding the use of mobile units in Portugal, United States and Brazil, which seek to improve access and continuity of care for people in homelessness. We used a comparative analysis through literature and documentary review relating three categories: context (demographic, socio-economic and epidemiological), services system (access, coverage, organization, management and financing) and, specifically, mobile units (design, care and financing model). The analysis was based on the theory of convergence/divergence between health systems from the perspective of equity in health. Improving access, addressing psychoactive substances abuse, outreach and multidisciplinary work proved to be common to all three countries, with the potential to reduce inequities. Relationships with primary healthcare, use of vehicles and the type of financing are considered differently in the three countries, influencing the greater or lesser extent of equity in the analyzed proposals.Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, Lab Avaliacao Programas & Serv Saude, Av Ana Costa 95-1 Andar, BR-11060001 Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Santa Catarina, Dept Saude Publ, Florianopolis, SC, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Polit Publ & Saude Colet, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Polit Publ & Saude Colet, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Technologijų perdavimo proceso aukštojo mokslo institucijose efektyvumo vertinimas

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play the key role as the link to encourage science and business partnerships within innovation systems worldwide. Notwithstanding one of the most important issue is to increase Lithuanian innovation potential. This dissertation analyses the problems of inefficient technology transfer (TT) and commercialization process, financial and human resource allocation at universities. The object of the research is the efficiency of technology transfer process (TTP) in higher education institutions. The analysis of technology transfer offices (TTOs) within the TTP allows the best model to be suggested for the evaluation of TTP as well as the improvement of TT results in the future perspective. This model is designed to assess the performance of the HEIs, to identify key indicators that demonstrate the efficiency of TTP, allowing to design future strategies to improve the efficiency of HEIs TTP financial and human capital. The goal of the dissertation is to examine TT process, propose and empirically test the efficiency evaluation model of the technology transfer process at HEIs. It is important to assess how the institutional (TTO employees, tasks, PhD-share) and regional (industry concentration, startups, patent applications) factors of TTO influence TT performance and commercialization. This research work resolves a few key tasks: 1. To conduct a theoretical analysis of the TTP (discussing the concept of the TTP and the key attributes, reviewing the foreign TT models, discussing factors encouraging the improvement of the TTP); 2. To perform a theoretical analysis of the efficiency of the TTP activities; 3. To create an original TTP efficiency evaluation model based on a comparative analysis of multicriteria research methods suitable to perform evaluation of TT activities of HEIs; 4. To conduct an empirical research and to validate the efficiency evaluation model of TTP using multicriteria research tools (FARE, TOPSIS, MULTIMOORA, COPRAS and DEA), to gather and aggregate the research data needed to evaluate the efficiency of the TTP, and to create a database for empirical research; 5. To analyse and discuss the research results of TTP, to formulate final conclusions to assess HEIs’ TTP efficiency, which would help to im-prove the performance of economic and other indicators through a more efficient allocation of financial and human resources. Analysis of research results shows that the number of employees working in TTO correlates with the number of intellectual (inventions) products that are being developed during the research and development (R&D) process.Dissertatio

Strategy, perceived environmental uncertainty, management accounting systems and performance: An empirical investigation

This thesis is an empirical examination of the role of strategic business unit (SBU) strategy and perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) en the relations between \u27management accounting systems (MAS) design and SBU performance. Two extreme strategic postures of Miles and Snow\u27s typology were used in this study. They were prospector and defender. MAS design was defined in terms of the extent to which managers\u27 use of broad scope MAS information characteristics for decision making; A survey research methodology was used in this study. The responses of 62 SBU managers, drawn from a cross-section of manufacturing companies in Western Australia, were used in the data analysis. The companies included in the sample were randomly selected from a list of manufacturing companies published in Kompass Australia (1994/95). A path analytic technique was used to test the hypotheses developed in this thesis. The results indicated that under high (low) PEU, the use of broad (narrow) scope MAS information by managers operating in firms pursuing prospector (defender)-type strategy led to effective decisions, thus contributing to improved SBU performanc